The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported on Monday that the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division was able to stop the planned extortion and intimidation by the members of the New People's Army in Negros Occidental a day before Christmas Day.

In a statement, 3IDCommander, MGen. Marion Sison, lauded the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion for their successful combat operations against the Communist Terrorist Groups at the Sitio Tayubong, Barangay Puso in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on 24 December. 

"Acting on the reports from concerned residents on the presence of armed groups in their barangay who are planning to conduct extortions and intimidations, the troops of 62IB immediately verified the report," 3ID public affairs chief LtCol. J-Jay Javines said. 

The military has encountered at least three armed NPA members during a firefight, that lasted for about 3 minutes, and resulted in the seizure of one .45 caliber pistol with live ammunition. 

The military said the rebels "scampered towards the southern direction."

Javines said, "No one was hurt on the government side." 

Sison recognized the vigilance and cooperation of the residents in the area, which provided accurate information to soldiers. 

"This indicates that civilians in La Castellana no longer support the CTGs," said Sison. 

"We are continuously gaining grounds against the CTGs in Negros because we have the support of the peace-loving Negrenses," he added. 

Sison then vowed the Army "will not stop going after them until they are finally neutralized" the operations of the CTGs in the region. 

"The troops will ensure the safety of everyone during this holiday season to be peaceful and happy away from any threat that these CTGs may make," he added. 

Sison reiterated his call to the remaining CTGs to surrender to the government. 

"You cannot escape from the long arm of the law. If you refuse to surrender, you will only face these consequences – get arrested and be imprisoned, or die," he said.